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‘It’s not the end of the world’ – Wood

England flanker Tom Wood has said that the squad will ride out any criticism thrown at them after losing to South Africa.

England flanker Tom Wood has said that the squad will ride out any criticism thrown at them after losing to South Africa.

Another second three-point loss within a week has left England under pressure ahead of Tests against Samoa and Australia.

Despite being disappointed, Wood took positives from the contest.

“It’s not the end of the world. It’s disappointing to lose in an England shirt and you never want to accept that, particularly at home,” said Wood.

“But the fact we have lost by two really close margins in two really competitive games against the two best teams in the world doesn’t mean it’s back to the drawing board and that everyone is on suicide watch.

“We have to keep our heads high and keep believing in what we are trying to implement.

“We understand we will come under a lot of pressure now. The heat is going to come on from the rugby media and the rugby public.

“Everyone now relates everything to the World Cup, but all we can do is stay tight as a group and keep plugging on.”